Nursing Elites

1. To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, what must the nurse do?

• A. Apply suction for no more than 10 seconds
• B. Maintain a sterile technique
• C. Lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the catheter tip
• D. Withdraw the catheter in a circular motion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent unnecessary hypoxia during suctioning of a tracheostomy, the nurse must apply suction for no more than 10 seconds. Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxia by removing too much oxygen from the patient. Maintaining a sterile technique (choice B) is important to prevent infection but does not directly relate to preventing hypoxia. Lubricating the catheter tip (choice C) helps with the insertion process but does not specifically address hypoxia prevention. Withdrawing the catheter in a circular motion (choice D) is not a standard practice during tracheostomy suctioning and does not contribute to preventing hypoxia.

2. A newly admitted adult client has a diagnosis of hepatitis A. The charge nurse should reinforce to the staff members that the most significant routine infection control strategy, in addition to hand washing, to be implemented is which of these?

• A. Apply appropriate signs outside and inside the room
• B. Apply a mask with a shield if there is a risk of fluid splash
• C. Wear a gown to change soiled linens from incontinence
• D. Have gloves on while handling bedpans with feces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to have gloves on while handling bedpans with feces. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, and using gloves during such direct contact with feces is crucial in preventing the transmission of the infection. Choice A is not directly related to infection control for hepatitis A. Choice B is more relevant to preventing droplet transmission rather than fecal-oral transmission. Choice C is important for preventing contact transmission from soiled linens but is not as directly related to the mode of transmission of hepatitis A as using gloves when handling feces.

3. The nurse is reviewing laboratory results on a client with acute renal failure. Which one of the following should be reported immediately?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen 50 mg/dl
• B. Hemoglobin of 10.3 g/dl
• C. Venous blood pH 7.30
• D. Serum potassium 6 mEq/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and must be addressed promptly. The other options are not as urgent. A blood urea nitrogen level of 50 mg/dl may indicate kidney dysfunction but does not require immediate intervention. Hemoglobin of 10.3 g/dl may suggest anemia, which needs management but is not an immediate threat. A venous blood pH of 7.30 may indicate acidosis, which is concerning but not as acutely dangerous as hyperkalemia.

4. The healthcare provider should recognize which of the following as an indication of dehydration in an elderly client?

• A. Skin turgor
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Elevated temperature
• D. Increased pulse pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration, especially in elderly individuals. Dehydration can lead to decreased moisture in the mucous membranes, making them dry. Skin turgor, although commonly assessed for dehydration in younger individuals, may be less reliable in the elderly due to changes in skin elasticity. Elevated temperature is more indicative of an infection or other conditions. Increased pulse pressure is not typically associated with dehydration in the elderly.

5. An elderly client admitted after a fall begins to seize and loses consciousness. What action by the nurse is appropriate to do next?

• A. Stay with the client and observe for airway obstruction
• B. Collect pillows and pad the side rails of the bed
• C. Place an oral airway in the mouth and suction
• D. Announce a cardiac arrest and assist with intubation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to stay with the client and observe for airway obstruction. This is crucial as it ensures immediate intervention if there is any airway compromise. Choice B is incorrect as padding the side rails of the bed is not the priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect because inserting an oral airway and suctioning should only be done if there is evidence of airway obstruction, and it is not the initial step. Choice D is incorrect as announcing a cardiac arrest and assisting with intubation is not the immediate action needed when a client is seizing and losing consciousness.

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